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DEATH is no stranger to Dr Philip Nitschke, but his easy familiarity and detailed knowledge of the ways and means of achieving it can seem a little spooky.

The internationally known voluntary euthanasia campaigner and director of Exit (Australia) will speak at a public meeting in Coffs Harbour's Cavanbah Centre at 1pm on Friday.

The man who frequently hits the headlines over issues of assisted suicide attracted more than 10 per cent of the population of Dorrigo to a meeting in the town last year, which he said was a highlight of his trip.

Yesterday Dr Nitschke said the majority of those who came to his meetings were well people in their 70s and 80s.

After years of campaigning for assisted suicide for those who want to end their lives without suffering, Dr Nitschke said there had been 12 failed attempts by various state governments to legalise euthanasia.

He said baby boomers accustomed to getting their own way meant the pressure was building, but politicians who supported it attracted the ire of the churches.

Reader poll

Should voluntary euthanasia be legal?

This poll ended on 02 August 2009.

Yes - 79%

No - 20%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.